What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cartoon
Example
I love watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. [cartoons: noun]
Example
The political cartoon in the newspaper made me laugh. [cartoon: adjective]
comic
Example
He always makes everyone laugh with his comic antics. [comic: adjective]
Example
I enjoy reading comic books in my free time. [comic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comic is more commonly used than cartoon in everyday language. Comic is a versatile term that can refer to both funny situations and printed materials, while cartoon is more specific to humorous drawings or animated content.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cartoon and comic?
Both cartoon and comic can be used in informal contexts. However, comic can also be used in formal settings when referring to comedic performances or printed materials.